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Job search success requires thinking and preplanning. Never forget this is a competiton. Leave nothing to chance or you suffer the consequence of not getting the interview which leads to the job offer.

How can you expect to find a job when:

You don’t receive job alerts

You don’t pick-up the FREE employment guides at your grocer.

You don’t read the job classified in the Sunday Paper.

You don’t read the job classifieds in the weekly paper.

You don’t search your state workforce site for employment opportunities.

You don’t tell family, friends, and others you encounter that you are searching for work.

Your resume tells a story. Your interview validates the story. Your resume and interview must be in sync to establish your credibility, integrity, and what you can do for the prospective employer.

Just imagine the employer, recruiter, or hiring commitee’s thoughts concerning your interview and the responses received. It is not always what you say; sometimes, it is how you say it.

You said you are a Team player because you were assigned to a team.

You said you were a Team player because you had a Team Lead.

You said you were a Team Player because you attended a weekly meeting.

You said you were a Team Player because you turned in your reports.

You said you were a Team Player because you did what you were supposed to do.

You said you have great communication skills because you knew how to talk.

You said you had great communication skills because you greeted everyone.

You said you had great communication skills because you knew what questions to ask.

You said you had great communication skills because you understood the instructions.

You said you had great communication skills because you knew how to respond.

You said your work record speaks for itself.

You said your work records shows you were on time.

You said your work record shows you never exceeded your lunch hour.

You said your work record shows you took very few sick days.

You said your work record shows you worked overtime.

You said you were a problem solver.

You said you stopped issues before they started.

You said you said what you had to say and that was it.

You said your coworkers know you tolerate any mess.

You said you go straight to the source to squash any issues.

You said you assisted with all major projects.

You said you helped implement all major projects.

You said you ensured the deadline was met on major projects.

You said you all meetings for major projects.

You said you did whatever was required on major projects.

You said you have integrity and ethics in the workplace.

You said you don’t use profanity around clients or customers.

You said you only curse around certain coworkers.

You said you don’t report any violations to your superiors.

You said you look the other way to avoid being a witness.

You said you were a supervisor.

You said you were considered a supervisor because you had been there longer.

You said you were a supervisor because coworkers looked up to you.

You said you were a supervisor because your boss asked you questions.

You said you were a supervisor because you had to encourage others to do their job.

You say you’re motivated because you get up every morning to come to work.

You say you’re motivated because you automatically do your job; you don’t have to be told.

You say you’re motivated because you encourage others to be happy they have a job.

You say you’re motivated because you tell your boss what they need to be doing to keep the employees happy.

You say you’re motivated because that is how you were able to remain at your previous position for so long.

You say the hours don’t matter.

You say you’re happy with the starting salary.

You say the work location is great.

You say a set lunch hour is okay.

You say you prefer the required dress.

Yet; you ask how long you have to be an employee to request these changes.

Don’t get angry? Honestly, would you hire you? Use the above responses to assist in appropriate responses. Find some career services, coaching or get a little SHINE. I am Shirleyd and we can help you achieve your career goal.

As an unemployed person; job searching and be overwhelming. Anyone can begin to doubt their skills, abilities, industry; causing them to feel helpless and hopeless. You can have the support of family, friends, and significant others; yet, frustrations may emerge during your job search process.

Transportation can make you angry. Triggers are listed to help you identify some situations that unknowingly throw a wrench in your job search process. Knowing these triggers and controlling the thoughts and feelings derived from these situations will control negative behaviors that are affecting your job search success which impacts your career goals.

1. Your car needs gas. You run out the door to start the car. Your tank is on empty. You’re running late. The company is handing out job applications during a certain time period. You are banging and stomping as you try to squeeze the last few drops to make it to the closest gas pump.

2. The gas lines are long. You waited until the last minute to get the gas. You are caught in morning traffic, lunch hour traffic, or evening rush hour traffic. You are fussing and using choice words as you attempt to make it through the traffic in a timely manner.

3. The price of gas is too high. Your funds are limited. You are frustrated because it will take more than a few dollars to pay for gas. You can make it there and back; but, you don’t have enough gas for the job interview or to retrieve any more job applications.

4. You parked at a pump that is out of order. You jump out the car; frantically searching for your debit or credit card. You’re almost out of breath; using choice words. You go to insert your card; and you see tape across the slot. You are peeved. You jump in your car to find another gas pump; and they’re all taken. You can’t leave. You don’t have enough gas to go any further. You have to wait. You are fussing about the pump not working; not knowing until you got out of your car; and being late to get the application.

5. You need to borrow money to get the gas. You are perturbed because you have to borrow money to get gas to do some local job searching. You asked several friends and family members. They could not help you. They even asked what happened to your money. They questioned your spending habits. You don’t believe they want to help you. You don’t believe they care. You are very upset. You are at your wit’s end. You need money for gas desperately.

6. You need a ride to job search. You were promised a ride. Your friend didn’t show up. No one is answering their friend. You are in a rage. You asked a few days ago; and they promised you that they would be there.

Your emotions are creating hostilities during your job search process. These hostilities are a result of poor planning during your job search process. You have to prepare a job search checklist. You have to be realistic; and accountable. You need to identify what you have; what is required; and what will be needed to ensure a successful job search. You are the one needing a job. You need to assess your situation; and get the right support and services to alleviate these stressors which lead to anger. Your anger for success accomplished nothing but less chances of getting hired.

Transportation vouchers and resources are available in some cities and counties to assist you during your job search endeavors. Don’t wait; procrastination may cost you the job. Get your gas ahead of schedule. Keep gas in your vehicle. Penny pinch to afford the gas. You need to budget for gas. If you need to borrow from a family member or friend; borrow in advance of the event. If you are relying on a ride; ensure it is a reliable ride.

You can contact local United Way agencies, Goodwill, state workforce agencies, community based organizations, churches, and parishes for assistance. There are available resources to reduce your frustrations that a lead to anger that hinders a successful job search.

I am Shirleyd of SHINE; providing career education to recreate careers and reinvent ourselves; wholistically.

Digital Dirt can be damaging to include; but not limited to: when you apply for a job; when you are considered for a promotion; when you request a recommendation; and when you are competing for a position or title.

Your perception may have been positive; but it may be perceived as unacceptable or negative. You may be trying to boost your credibility; but your digital dirt degraded you. Erase, minimize your digital dirt.

Clean it up. Check your profiles.Check your usernames. Check your logo. Check your verbiage. Check your links; you may not be responsible for their content, but they’re attached to you. Check photos and comments you may have left on other’s pages, blogs, forums, or sites. You may need to request their help to get them removed; if they agree. Check your settings; everything need not be for all to see. Check major search engines using your name in quotes to find information.

Others may possess your name; just be certain yours does not surface with digital dirt. Check yourself online to see what may be lurking in your past that is truly DIGITAL DIRT.

You need to provide positive information to alleviate digital dirt.Your character and your integrity is at stake. What you perceive as a great photo or awesome comment; may be the dirt that knocks you of your online feet. Your postings, comments, messages, and photo may tell a different story about you. They may identify dishonesty in your application, resume, and interview. Their findings may not be discriminatory; just shocking and appalling.

If you need to disclose something before they find it; make the choice to address it. Your future may depend on it; your integrity is on the line. You may not get interviews nor job offers. Don’t get angry; make better choices. Your online activity is a reflection of you, your values, your worth. http://askshirleyd.com

There are numerous competitors selling the same product or service; shoes, purses, makeup, perfumes, vitamin supplements, candles, and jewelry. There a numerous affiliates. There are numerous competitors vying to fill their down lines. Is choosing a competitive market a mistake for you? Should your passion and ideas fall by the wayside? Should your love of shoes, fashion, makeup, and jewelry not benefit you?

Family, friends, peers, and others make comments and question concerning your career choice:

“You’re taking a risk. I know someone who failed. You’ll probably never rank in search engines. Your keywords won’t get you traffic. Your website won’t get noticed. You’re offering the same thing. You won’t have enough customers. There is too much competition; find something else. You won’t make any money. Your site won’t make it. Don’t waste your time.”

Are you getting negative vibes from nonbelievers? Is your confidence shaken? What if you have considered all the odds? What if you have researched it thoroughly? Who says you can’t put all your eggs in one basket? What do you do? Can you do it? Can you make it work? Can you make money among your competitors? Do you believe you can achieve? Why should they buy from you? What is the value for your customers?

Research, research, research! Plan, strategize; don’t stop. The choice is yours. Everyone is not going to applaud your goals. Everyone is not going to support your efforts. Some will identify you as a failure from day one.

Don’t give up. Don’t get depressed. If you believe you can achieve; bring your uniqueness, creativity, and passion to the table. Make it happen. Success is the best revenge. http://www.askshirleyd.com All your eggs are in one basket. How are you going to place them?

Why ask moms if they are ready to work? I saw this question in several online ads and print ads. This post is based on my first response. ARE YOU CRAZY?

The word MOM is work in itself. The word MOM identifies a responsibility outlines in numerous task that last for a lifetime. From the time you are conceived ; your mom is working.. She is working to keep you healthy. She is working to increase her knowledge and skills to take the best care of you possible. She is working to not smoke during her pregnancy. She is working to halt drinking during her pregnancy. She is working to eliminate illegal drugs from her system while she is pregnant. She is working to prioritize use by enhancing her skills and abilities for motherhood. She is working as a career woman to provide the best for you. She is going to school to give you a better life. She is working to deprive herself of necessities to ensure you have. She is working to provide transportation to enable you to have access to what is needed. She is working to ensure you receive the necessary nutrients for a healthy childhood. She is working to overcome any obstacles that interfere with you. She is working for you to be successful.

Majority of mothers work 24/7 in a wholistic manner for the betterment of you. The mothers who gave you away worked a strategy to give you a better life. The mothers who made mistakes worked; lacking skills for positive result. The word “MOM” means accountability and responsibility 24/7. Don’t get frustrated; open your eyes. Moms do work; salary not required.

If you have to pound the pavement; wear comfortable shoes.This could save in medical bills.
Yes, there are so many beautiful shoes; and there are so many bruised and swollen feet.
Yes, the shoes are cute; but your feet made a horrid impression.
Maybe it was the polish; maybe it was the toe handing out.
You can put your flats in your purse or briefcase for the interview.
Everyone is not impressed with over the top shoes.

If you ride the bus or train to collect applications; plan your route.You may be use transfers to save money.
Know the bus schedules; you may save time between stops.

If you use the taxi; have a voice in route to your destination.The taxi doesn’t have to take the longest or the scenic route; cha-ching.
Get dropped off at a central location within walking distance or short bus rides to retrieve applications, drop off resumes, and attend interviews within proximity at scheduled times.
The taxi waiting between stops may not be cost-effective with the meter running.

Ensure your vehicle is operable.Ensure your vehicle has enough gas.
Ensure tires are satisfactory. Ensure fluids are up to par.
Ensure no warning lights are on. Ensure you are within the speed limit.
You need to get to your destinations in a timely fashion.
You need to reach your destination.

Getting tickets decreases your funding; and cost valuable time in your job search process.
Getting a tire blowout may cost you money; and a job.
Warning signs on your vehicle may cause you to lose out on employment opportunities.
Expired registration and inspections can empty your pockets.

Spend your job search time wisely.It cost more to drive back and forth.
It cost more to catch taxi after taxi after taxi.
It cost more to transfer opportunities.
Check into the express transportation that operates in some areas.
Identify a safe place to read, review, prepare for the next interview.
Visit the library, museums, and other public places of interest during scheduled same day interviews.
You can accomplish a lot online.
Utilize the online experience as much as possible during your job search.
You can save time and money.
Job applications can be completed and submitted online.
Some can be downloaded and printed online for in person submission.
Resumes can be submitted directly to employer sites.
Print resumes can be mailed.
Resume on CD; including video can be delivered; mailed also. .
Interviews may be through chat, telephone, in person; based on employer’s request.

Dressing for success during a job search can be expensive.Find a Dress For Success program in your area.
Visit the local Goodwill or Salvation Army.
The United Way has excellent nonprofit resources to assist.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul has sources and resources.
Churches may provide assistance.
Locate other thrift shops that may have affordable and appropriate attire for your job interest.

There are community-based organizations that assist with bus tokens.
Some provide vouchers for an effective job search.
Your state human services agency may provide assistance.

Success is worker smarter and having a successful job search while cutting expenses. Don’t get frustrated. Don’t get mad. Success is the best revenge. I am the author of this article; which is also posted on my website. Cutting cost during job search articles will be updated regularly.